Development of the Promoting Parenting Practices Program in Early Childhood in Thai Skipped-Generation Families: Community-based Action Research

Chayapa Boonlue; Jutamas  Chotibang; Pimpaporn  Klunklin; Decha  Tamdee

doi:10.60099/prijnr.2026.278980

Authors

Chayapa Boonlue PhD (Candidate), Faculty of Nursing, Chiang Mai University, Thailand. https://orcid.org/0009-0000-1237-3953
Jutamas Chotibang Faculty of Nursing, Chiang Mai University, Thailand. https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2524-949X
Pimpaporn Klunklin Faculty of Nursing, Chiang Mai University, Thailand. https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2023-6200
Decha Tamdee Faculty of Nursing, Chiang Mai University, Thailand. https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1121-0850

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.60099/prijnr.2026.278980

Keywords:

Action research, Early childhood, Development, Grandparents, Growth, Parenting, Parenting practices, Skipped generation

Abstract

Young children living with grandparents due to parental absence, called skipped-generation families, are at risk for improper growth and development. Grandparents are key to effective parenting practices, but most existing programs are not tailored to grandparents and lack participation by researchers and stakeholders. This study reports the qualitative descriptive phase of a community-based action research study aimed at identifying situations related to early childhood parenting practices in Thai skipped-generation families, as well as problems and needs related to parenting practices. The participants were purposively selected from a rural sub-district in Thailand’s northern province and comprised two groups. The core working group included nine representative stakeholders. The participants for the problems and needs assessment comprised 20 grandparents of children aged 1–6 years in skipped-generation families and 39 stakeholders. Data collection was performed through focus group discussions, in-depth interviews, and participant observation. Qualitative data were transcribed verbatim and underwent content analysis.

Four categories emerged: 1) inappropriate perceptions toward parenting practices, 2) lack of adequate knowledge and skills regarding parenting practices, 3) barriers to promoting children’s health and development, and 4) strategies required to address parenting challenges. Findings help nurses and early childhood teachers gain a better understanding of the issues and facilitators for promoting grandparents’ parenting practices tailored to their actual needs. These findings serve as a basis for developing practical interventions grounded in stakeholder participation to empower grandparents to overcome parenting challenges by enhancing awareness and parenting skills and providing support from family members and the community.

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